§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what requirements there are for officials in his Department to introduce a compliance cost assessment for all rules and regulations coming before him and his Ministers; and how many compliance cost assessments have been issued in his Department in the first three months of this year. [19353]
§ Mr. HagueOfficials in this Department follow the guidance set out by the Department of Trade and Industry and agreed by the Government that a compliance cost assessment should be prepared in the following circumstances
in support of all papers for Cabinet and Cabinet Committees, and minutes to the Prime Minister for collective discussion that deal with proposals which may have an impact on business;in support of all regulatory proposals which may have an impact on business submitted for consideration under the annual legislative bids process;as part of the advice to Ministers on the line to be taken on a private Members Bill which affects business;when preparing statistical surveys which will involve business;alongside all draft primary, secondary and EC legislation having an impact on business when it is presented to Parliament.All compliance cost assessments accompanying draft legislation are published. This Department issued eight of 45W these in the first three months of this year, copies of which are in the Library.